The American Red Cross has issued an emergency alert asking all eligible donors to help replenish blood supplies, which are thousands of donations short.
Last week, the Red Cross escalated its call for donors after donations plunged because of the the July Fourth holiday. There were 550 fewer blood drives last week nationwide than usual, which equates to about 15,000 fewer donations than needed. As a result, donations are being distributed to hospitals faster than they are coming in, the Red Cross said.
“Each and every day, individuals across the country depend on blood and platelet donations for lifesaving treatments and emergency care, so it’s critical that people donate now to meet these needs,” said Cliff Numark, senior vice president of Red Cross Blood Services. “Whether you’ve never donated or give a couple of times a year, you’re needed to give as soon as possible to help save patient lives. Yours may be the donation a patient is counting on.”
The Red Cross is looking for donations of all blood types, but the agency is especially in need donations of type O blood. Type O is the most needed blood type because it is used the most often. Because it is a universal blood type, most emergency rooms will use type O on a patient when there is not enough time to determine the patient’s blood type.
In response to the shortage, the Red Cross has added about 6,500 additional appointment slots for donors at centers across the nation. Donors are encouraged to complete a Rapid Pass online health history questionnaire to save time at donation centers.
To schedule an appointment to donate blood, visit the Red Cross’ website or call 1-800-733-2767. The Red Cross also offers a free blood donor app, which is available for iOS and Android devices.
